Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/50735
Title: A comparison of the effectiveness of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and pharmacotherapy in adults suffering from depression.
Authors: Farrugia, Glorianne
Keywords: Electroconvulsive therapy
Depression -- therapy
Pharmacology
Mental health
Issue Date: 2012
Citation: Farrugia, G. (2012). A comparison of the effectiveness of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and pharmacotherapy in adults suffering from depression (Bachelor's dissertation).
Abstract: The mental health disorder of depression is one of the most common psychiatric illnesses that often results in visible changes of an individual's behaviour. The subject of depression has been a widely-discussed topic with various categorizations pertaining to the different faces of this mental health challenge. Diverse studies have been conducted to examine and obtain evidence of the most effective treatment options. The purpose of this study is to enhance the quality of mental health care through recommendations based on evidence obtained through research. The aim is to compare the effectiveness of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and of pharmacotherapy for the treatment of depression in adults. The research question set was: In adults suffering from depression, does electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) lead to improved scores on depression scales when compared to pharmacotherapy? The PICO elements were: P- Population is adults with depression I - Intervention is ECT C- Comparison to pharmacotherapy 0- Outcome is better rating on depression scales. An electronic search through various databases was carried out in order to locate available literature on the topic. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, mainly to include studies which have measured outcome on Depression Rating Scales, rank high in the Hierarchy of evidence, and focus on adults suffering from depression. Exclusion criteria were also established namely, studies not related to ECT and pharmacotherapy but to other types of treatments, and studies not associated with adults. The results were inconclusive because few studies were retrieved which compared ECT with pharmacotherapy, there were few articles published within the past 10 years, and all of the studies mentioned the need for further research to be done in future. Recommendations were mentioned in relation to practice, education, policy development for change, management and research. Topics covered involved the promotion of holistic patient care by professional practitioners, keeping side effects to a minimum, and to investigate other treatment options such as group therapy. Policy providers need to collaborate with activities and have protocols available, e.g. Mental Health Act updated, and strengthens legislation to implement change. Moreover, further research initiatives have been outlined particularly in relation to the need for further studies related to different aspects in the treatment of depression. Keywords: Effectiveness, ECT, Pharmacotherapy, depression, adults, score on depression scale.
Description: B.SC.(HONS)HEALTH SCIENCE
URI: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/50735
Appears in Collections:Dissertations - FacHSc - 2012

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